Audio output level setting method and device

ABSTRACT

In a device equipped with an audio output, a range of the audio output level in regular use is set. When an attempt is made to change the setting to a volume level exceeding the range of the audio output level having been set, a request is made for an acknowledgement that the operation is appropriate, and only if a reply is received within a given time, is the volume setting changed. Such a method prevents the audio output from a television set or audio equipment to be increased to a volume level higher than necessary due to an operating error in a volume setting operation.

This application is a U.S. national stage application of PCTinternational application PCT/JP2004/019444.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of setting the audio outputlevel for a device equipped with an audio output.

BACKGROUND ART

Currently, setting of the audio output level for a device equipped withan audio output, such as a television set or audio equipment, isgenerally made through remote control with a remote control unit, aswell as through setting with the main unit of the device. Therefore, themain unit and remote control unit each have up/down buttons for thevolume level, where these volume change buttons are operated as requiredwhen using a television set or audio equipment. A volume adjustmentbutton is usually easy to operate because it is frequently used.

Meanwhile, a television set or audio equipment usually has a volumerange from an adequately large volume, as compared to a volume inregular use, to silence. The maximum available volume of the device isnot necessarily equal to a normal level in regular use.

Among conventional methods of setting the audio output level, a methodof automatically adjusting the volume level according to ambientcircumstances is disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No.H08-97654 (hereinafter, referred to as “patent literature 1”). Further,a method in which minimum and maximum input levels are preliminarily setwhen amplifying audio signals with a variable gain amplifier isdisclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H10-294990(hereinafter, referred to as “patent literature 2”).

As mentioned above, the operation of changing the volume setting for atelevision set or audio equipment is desirably easy because theoperation is frequently performed. This may cause the volume level toincrease more than necessary if the operable part is accidentallytouched or if an infant innocently changes the volume level.

Even if the volume level is automatically changed according to ambientcircumstances as in the invention described in patent literature 1, theabove-mentioned problems cannot be solved because the basic audio levelis set by the user.

Meanwhile, a maximum output volume may be restricted as in the inventiondescribed in patent literature 2, which poses an obstacle because arequired volume level may not be available in some operationenvironments.

Further, in a television set or audio equipment, turning on the poweragain after turning off the power with the volume level at a highsetting causes too large a sound to burst out from the device becausethe previous audio output level is retained.

Another problem is, if the audio output level has been changed while thedevice is controlled to be in a silent state, ending the silent stateunexpectedly causes too large a sound to burst out from the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve these problems, with a method of setting the audiooutput level for a device equipped with an audio output, according tothe present invention, a range of the audio output level in regular useis set as a threshold. If an operation is performed to set the audiooutput level to exceed the range of the audio output level having beenset, a request is made for an acknowledgment that the operation ofchanging the audio output level is appropriate; and only if a reply isgiven, is the setting changed.

Further, a method of setting the audio output level according to thepresent invention is characterized in that the initial audio outputlevel is automatically changed when the device is next used, if theaudio output level has been set when previously used to exceed the rangeof the audio output level in regular use.

Still, in a method of setting the audio output level according to thepresent invention, in a device that receives signals including audioinformation and performs audio output according to the received signals,the reception state of the receive signals is checked. If the operationof changing the audio output level setting is made during a silentperiod according to the reception state, the audio output level settingis not changed, but notice that the audio output level setting is not tobe changed is given. Alternatively, a request is made for anacknowledgment that the audio output level setting is to be changed, andonly if such an acknowledgment is given, is the setting changed.

With the above-mentioned method, requesting the operator for anacknowledgment that the operation of changing the volume level currentlybeing performed is one intended by the operator solves the problem inwhich an operating error causes audio output larger than necessary.Meanwhile, if the audio output level exceeding the range of the audiooutput level in regular use is selected for some reason, the problem issolved in which the retained audio output level setting causes audiooutput larger than necessary when the device is used again or the audiooutput is resumed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the makeup of a device for setting theaudio output level according to the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of setting the audio output levelaccording to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the makeup of a device for setting theaudio output level according to the second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of setting the audio output levelaccording to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the makeup of a device for setting theaudio output level according to the third exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of setting the audio output levelaccording to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another flowchart showing a method of setting the audio outputlevel according to the third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description is provided for a method of setting the audio output levelaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, usingdrawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

First, a description is provided for an example makeup of devicesrealizing the method of setting the audio output level according to thepresent invention. Here, in this application, the audio output level isassumed to refer to the degree of volume amplification output from anactual speaker or the like for audio signals.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example makeup according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the device forsetting the audio output level according to the present invention hasvolume adjuster 1, volume setting means 2, output level monitor 3, audiooutput level memory 4, replying means 5, volume changing means 6, andaudio output means 7.

Here, audio output level memory 4 stores a threshold in setting a rangeof the audio output level, where the threshold is preliminarily set bythe user. Hereinafter, a description is provided for a case where anupper limit of the audio output level is set as this threshold.

Volume adjuster 1, used for inputting a volume adjusting command,corresponds to a volume change button on the remote control unit, or abutton or knob for setting the volume level provided on the main unit.Volume adjuster 1 gives notice to volume setting means 2 that a requesthas been made for changing the audio output level setting (raise orlower the volume level).

Volume setting means 2 receives from volume adjuster 1 a request forchanging the audio output level setting. Volume setting means 2 thengives notice to volume changing means 6 of changing the audio outputlevel, if the request made from the volume adjuster 1 is for loweringthe volume level, or if the changed audio output level is lower than theupper limit of the audio output level that has been preliminarily set.Next, volume setting means 2 gives notice of changing the audio outputlevel to volume changing means 6, if an acknowledgement is given byreplying means 5 that the change is appropriate.

Meanwhile, if the request for volume setting made from the volumeadjuster 1 is for raising the volume level, volume setting means 2judges whether the changed audio output level exceeds the upper limit ofthe audio output level preliminarily set. This upper limit of the audiooutput level, stored in audio output level memory 4, may be changeableaccording to an operator's instruction, or may be a fixed valuepreliminarily set.

If the changed audio output level exceeds the upper limit of the audiooutput level preliminarily set, volume setting means 2 then gives noticeto output level monitor 3 that a request has been made for changing tothe audio output level to exceed the upper limit.

Output level monitor 3 gives notice to the operator who has made thevolume adjustment that the audio output level is to exceed the upperlimit preliminarily set after the audio output level setting is changed.The notice can be given with characters on the screen of a deviceprovided with a display unit such as a television set, and/or withsound.

Replying means 5 receives a reply from the operator that the volumeadjustment is appropriate, when the output level monitor requests theoperator for an acknowledgement that the audio output level setting isappropriate. Replying means 5 corresponds to a button provided on theremote control unit or main unit, in the same way as volume adjuster 1.Here, separately providing a reply button may be avoided by adding thefunction of a reply button to another operation button. In this case,the relevant operation button is usually used for selecting its originalfunction individually allocated. However, the button works as a replybutton for output level monitor 3 for a certain period of timeimmediately after a request for an acknowledgement is made by outputlevel monitor 3. A certain period of time may be 3 seconds, for example.Here, if a reply is given to replying means 5, output level monitor 3may give notice again to the operator that the setting of the audiooutput level has been enabled, to encourage the operator to change theaudio output level.

Volume changing means 6 changes the audio output level according to aninstruction for changing the audio output level setting given by volumesetting means 2. Changing the audio output level is feasible with anelectronic volume control device, for example.

Audio output means 7 outputs audio signals with their audio output levelset by volume changing means 6.

Next, a description is provided for the detailed processing procedure byvolume setting means 2, using the flowchart in FIG. 2.

First, the process accepts an instruction for volume adjustment fromvolume adjuster 1 (step 102). Next, the process distinguishes the typeof instruction for volume adjustment (step 103).

If the instruction is for raising the volume level, the process judgeswhether or not the volume level set by the instruction for volumeadjustment exceeds the upper limit of the audio output levelpreliminarily set (step 104). Meanwhile, if the instruction is forlowering the volume level, the process decreases the audio output leveland then ends the volume adjustment (steps 111 and 112). In step 104, ifthe audio output level set with the instruction for volume adjustmentdoes not exceed the upper limit, the process increases the audio outputlevel and then ends the volume adjustment (steps 110 and 112).

In step 104, in case the audio output level set with the instruction forvolume adjustment exceeds the upper limit, the process requests theoperator for an acknowledgement that the operation is appropriate (step105).

When a reply is given from the operator within a certain period of time,the process increases the audio output level according to a subsequentinstruction for raising the volume level, and then ends the volumeadjustment (steps 106, 107, 108, and 112).

In step 106, if a reply is not given from the operator within a certainperiod of time, the process sets the audio output level to the upperlimit and then ends the volume adjustment (steps 109 and 112). As areplying means from the operator, another operating means on the devicecan instead be used within a certain period of time after the requestfor an acknowledgement, not necessarily requiring a separate operatingmeans.

In the above-mentioned makeup, the description is made for a method ofsetting the audio output level using one threshold. However, pluralthresholds can be set and stored. For example, the upper limit of theaudio output level may be separately set according to a time frame inusing the device. As an example, two different thresholds for daytimeand nighttime are to be set, where the upper limit for daytime is to bedifferent from that for nighttime.

This case is acceptable as long as the thresholds are set and stored inassociation with clock time information for using these thresholds. As aresult, comparing the current clock time information obtained frombuilt-in clock means, with the stored clock time information, allows theaudio output level to be controlled using the threshold having been setfor the present time. Daytime may be set as from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.and nighttime from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., for example, thus enablingfine-tuned control of the audio output level according to the user'slife pattern, such as a relatively large threshold for daytime and asmall threshold for nighttime.

Naturally, setting three or more thresholds and more minute clock timeinformation to be associated therewith allows for further finer-tunedcontrol of the audio output level.

The upper limit of the audio output level may be changeable according toa connected device. For different signal levels by device, such as audioequipment with various devices connected, the upper limit of the audiooutput level may be separately set for each device.

This case is acceptable as long as the thresholds are set and stored inassociation with the information for the audio output devices usingthese thresholds. As a result, comparing the information about whichaudio output device is currently outputting with its ID number, which isallocated for identifying the device, assuming that the target equipmentusing the present invention incorporates plural audio output devicessuch as a CD player and radio receiver, allows the audio output level tobe controlled using the optimum threshold for the device.

Allocating a relevant ID number also to the audio input terminal allowsthe audio output level to be controlled as well, even if an externalaudio output device is connected.

In the above description, the upper limit of the audio output level isto be preliminarily set. However, the lower limit can be preliminarilyset as well. In this case, if the setting is made so that the audiooutput level is lower than the lower limit when decreasing the volumelevel, it is acceptable as long as a request is made to the operator foran acknowledgement that the operation is appropriate, and if a reply isgiven, the setting is made so that the value is lower than the lowerlimit.

As described above, the method of setting the audio output level and thedevice for setting the audio output level according to the presentinvention prevent an error in setting the audio output level due to anoperating error, by making a request for an acknowledgement that thevolume adjustment currently intended is appropriate.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

A description is provided for a method of setting the audio output levelaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows operation state judging means 8 newly addedto FIG. 1. Accordingly, the detailed description is omitted for theparts with the same makeup as that in FIG. 1.

The second exemplary embodiment is different from the first one in thatsignals from operation state judging means 8 are connected to volumesetting means 2. In the first exemplary embodiment, the setting of thevolume output by the device is made according to an operationinstruction from volume adjuster 1.

Meanwhile, in the second exemplary embodiment, the volume level is setaccording to instructions from operation state judging means 8, inaddition to those from volume adjuster 1.

In FIG. 3, operation state judging means 8 gives notice to volumesetting means 2 that it is immediately after the power is turned on. Adescription is made for the actions of volume setting means 2 using theflowchart in FIG. 4.

Volume setting means 2 identifies a state immediately after the power isturned on, by detecting signals from operation state judging means 8(step 202).

Volume setting means 2 checks the audio output level setting when thepower is turned on, and ends setting of the audio output level if it islower than the upper limit of the audio output level preliminarily set(steps 203 and 205).

Meanwhile, volume setting means 2 changes the audio output level, andthen ends setting of the audio output level if it exceeds the upperlimit thereof preliminarily set (steps 203, 204, and 205).

The changed audio output level may be the upper limit of the audiooutput level or a separate one preliminarily set.

When audio signals to be output are selected from among plural kinds,the output level can be separately set by kind of signals at aconnection source. Here, plural kinds of audio signals refer to audiosignals such as those from a radio receiver and compact disc player, foraudio equipment; and those from satellite and terrestrial broadcasting,and from video equipment, for television.

Meanwhile, in the above description, operation state judging means 8 isto give notice to volume setting means 2 that it is immediately afterthe power is turned on. However, operation state judging means 8 maygive notice to volume setting means 2 that the power has been turned ononly when the power is cycled after a certain period of time. Here, acertain period of time is to be 15 to 30 minutes or longer, for example.This makeup prevents the volume level setting that has been recently setfrom being changed if the power is frequently cycled by dispensing withresetting of the volume level every time the power is turned on, despitea slight change in operation environment of the device.

As a concrete example for operation state judging means 8, the case isshown where judgement is made that it is immediately after the power isturned on. However, besides detecting a state in which the power isturned on and off, detecting may be made that no operation has beenperformed for a certain period of time. Alternatively, judgement may beperformed as to whether the elapsed time from the last audio output tothe new one exceeds a certain period of time. This makeup may be appliedto a cell phone, for example, where continuous audio output is notnecessarily made while the power is on.

Here, a telephone call on a cell phone is taken as an example. When theaudio signal output level is set so as to exceed the upper limit of theaudio output level preliminarily set, for some reason in the previoustelephone call, the audio signal level may be reset to the audio outputlevel preliminarily set in the next call. This prevents sound with avolume level higher than necessary from being unexpectedly output in anenvironment for the next call, due to a change from the previous call inambient environment.

Hereinbefore, the description has mainly been related to the case wherethe audio output level is increased. However, it is obvious that thesame method can be applied for the case where the audio output level isdecreased, inversely.

When upper and lower limits of the audio output level are set to besuitable for an ordinary environment, and if the audio output levelexceeds the upper or lower limit, the method in the descriptionhereinbefore can be applied.

In this exemplary embodiment, setting and storing plural thresholds withinformation about time and the audio output device to be associatedtherewith, allow for further finer-tuned control of the audio outputlevel.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

A description is provided for a method of setting the audio output levelaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention,using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows reception state judging means 9 and receiver10 newly added to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the detailed description isomitted for the parts with the same makeup as that in FIG. 1.

The third exemplary embodiment is different from the first one in thatsignals from reception state judging means 9 are connected to volumesetting means 2, and that signals from receiver 10 are connected toreception state judging means 9. In the first exemplary embodiment, thesetting of the volume output by the device is made according tooperation instructions from volume adjuster 1.

The third exemplary embodiment relates to a method of setting the audiooutput level when a volume adjustment is made in a device equipped withan audio output function, such as a television set or audio equipment,particularly assuming that the audio output level is changed accordingto reception conditions in broadcasting. Accordingly, in the thirdexemplary embodiment, volume setting means 2 sets the volume levelaccording to instructions from reception state judging means 9 inaddition to those from volume adjuster 1. Reception state judging means9 gives instructions to volume setting means 2 according to informationfrom receiver 10.

Hereinafter, a description of this exemplary embodiment will be made fora case where TV broadcasting is being viewed on a mobile object such asan automobile. When receiving TV broadcasting on a mobile object,reception conditions largely change with its movement. Poor receptionconditions cause interruption in sound and image. When receiving digitalbroadcasting in particular, interruption in sound and image occurs ifthe receive signal quality decreases below a certain level. In thiscase, control is usually performed such that an image having beenreceived until immediately before the decrease is output as a stillimage and audio output is not made. Here, when receiving theconventional analog broadcasting, where degradation in sound and imagegradually emerges according to degradation in received signal quality,viewers can recognize degradation in reception quality relativelyeasily.

As mentioned above, when receiving digital broadcasting, a still imageand silence may mislead a viewer into believing that the silence iscaused by the low audio output level and into trying to increase thevolume level.

Under these circumstances, receiver 10 shown in FIG. 4 gives notice ofthe reception state of broadcasting to reception state judging means 9.Reception state judging means 9 detects signals from receiver 10 andthen gives notice of the reception state to volume setting means 2.

A description is provided for the actions of volume setting means 2,using FIG. 6. Volume setting means 2 detects that a request has beenmade for changing the audio output level (step 302). Volume settingmeans 2 detects signals from reception state judging means 9 to checkthe current reception conditions (step 303). If the broadcast is beingnormally received, the process changes the audio output level (step304), and then ends setting of the audio output level (step 306).

Meanwhile, if the broadcast is not being normally received, the processgives notice that the audio output level will not be changed (step 305),and then ends setting of the audio output level (step 306).

Here, the notice that the audio output level will not be changed may begiven with characters on the screen of a display unit or with sound.

This method solves the following problem. That is, if the audio outputlevel has been changed while the device is controlled to be in a silentstate, ending the silent state causes too large a sound to burst outfrom the device.

The actions of volume setting means 2 can also be the processes in FIG.7. Volume setting means 2 detects a request for changing the audiooutput level having been made (step 402). Volume setting means 2 detectssignals from reception state judging means 9 to check the currentreception conditions (step 403). If the broadcast is normally beingreceived, the process changes the audio output level (step 404), andthen ends setting of the audio output level (step 407).

Meanwhile, if the broadcast is not normally being received, the processmakes a request for an acknowledgement that the operation for changingthe audio output level is appropriate (step 405), and if the operatorselects continuing of the change operation, the process changes theaudio output level (step 404), and then ends setting of the audio outputlevel (step 407).

Meanwhile, in step 405, if the operator does not select continuing ofthe change operation, the process gives notice of the discontinuing ofthe level change (step 406), and then ends setting of the audio outputlevel (step 407).

The method of giving notice that the audio output level will not bechanged is to be the same as that in FIG. 6. The notice of discontinuingthe change of the audio output level in step 406 can be omitted.

The above method solves the following problem. That is, if the audiooutput level has been changed while the device is controlled to be in asilent state, ending the silent state unexpectedly causes too large asound to burst out from the device.

Here, the description is made for the case where digital TV broadcastingis received on a mobile object as the third exemplary embodiment.However, this exemplary embodiment can be applied to another type ofusage. Further, the first exemplary embodiment can be combined with thesecond one.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A method of setting the audio output level and a device for setting theaudio output level of the present invention eliminate an error insetting the audio output level due to an operating error, and preventsound with an inappropriate volume level from being output when thedevice is subsequently used or when the reception state improves, whichis useful for devices with an audio output function, in general.

1. A method of setting an audio output level comprising: storing aplurality of thresholds associated with clock time informationpreliminarily; selecting one of the plurality of thresholdscorresponding to a current clock time; requesting an acknowledgementthat a setting of the audio output level is to be changed, if thesetting of the audio output level is to be changed to a setting thatexceeds the selected threshold; allocating a function of replying to theacknowledgement to an operation button provided on at least one of aremote control unit and a main unit for a certain period of timeimmediately after requesting the acknowledgment; setting, in a settingunit, the audio output level to the setting that exceeds the selectedthreshold, if the reply via the operation button is received; andsetting, in the setting unit, the audio output level to the selectedthreshold, if a reply via the operation button is not received byexpiration of the certain time period.
 2. A method of setting an audiooutput level comprising: storing a plurality of thresholds associatedwith audio output device information preliminarily; selecting one of theplurality of thresholds corresponding to a currently connected audiooutput device; requesting an acknowledgement that a setting of the audiooutput level is to be changed, if the setting of the audio output levelis to be changed to a setting that exceeds the selected threshold;allocating a function of replying to the acknowledgement to an operationbutton provided on at least one of a remote control unit and a main unitfor a certain period of time immediately after requesting theacknowledgment; setting, in a setting unit, the audio output level tothe setting that exceeds the selected threshold, if the reply via theoperation button is received; and setting, in the setting unit, theaudio output level to the selected threshold, if a reply via theoperation button is not received by expiration of the certain timeperiod.
 3. The method of setting an audio output level as recited inclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of thresholds includes at leastone of an upper limit and a lower limit.
 4. A device for setting anaudio output level, the device comprising: a storage unit operable tostore a plurality of thresholds associated with clock time informationpreliminarily; a selecting unit operable to select one of the pluralityof thresholds corresponding to a current clock time; a requesting unitoperable to request an acknowledgement that a setting of the audiooutput level is to be changed, if the setting of the audio output levelis to be changed to a setting that exceeds the selected threshold; anallocating unit operable to allocate a function of replying to theacknowledgement to an operation button provided on at least one of aremote control unit and a main unit for a certain period of timeimmediately after requesting the acknowledgement; and a setting unitoperable to set the audio output level to the setting that exceeds theselected threshold, if the reply via the operation button is received,and set the audio output level to the selected threshold, if a reply viathe operation button is not received by expiration of the certain timeperiod.
 5. The device for setting an audio output level as recited inclaim 4, further comprising: a changing unit operable to change thesetting of the audio output level only if the acknowledgement is giventhat the setting is to be changed.
 6. A device for setting an audiooutput level, the device comprising: a storage unit operable to store aplurality of thresholds associated with audio output device informationpreliminarily; a selecting unit operable to select one of the pluralityof thresholds corresponding to a currently connected audio outputdevice; a requesting unit operable to request an acknowledgement that asetting of the audio output level is to be changed, if the setting ofthe audio output level is to be changed to a setting that exceeds theselected threshold; an allocating unit operable to allocate a functionof replying to the acknowledgement to an operation button provided on atleast one of a remote control unit and a main unit for a certain periodof time immediately after requesting the acknowledgement; and a settingunit operable to set the audio output level to the setting that exceedsthe selected threshold, if the reply via the operation button isreceived, and set the audio output level to the selected threshold, if areply via the operation button is not received by expiration of thecertain time period.
 7. The device for setting an audio output level asrecited in claim 6, further comprising: a changing unit operable tochange the setting of the audio output level if the acknowledgement isgiven that the setting is to be changed.
 8. The method of setting anaudio output level as recited in claim 1, further comprising: changingthe setting of the audio output level only if the acknowledgement isgiven that the setting is to be changed.
 9. The method of setting anaudio output level as in recited claim 1, further comprising: changingthe setting of the audio output level only if an acknowledgement isgiven that the setting is to be changed within a given time after therequesting of the acknowledgement.
 10. The method of setting an audiooutput level as recited in claim 2, further comprising: changing thesetting of the audio output level only if the acknowledgement is giventhat the setting is to be changed.
 11. The method of setting an audiooutput level as recited in claim 2, further comprising: changing thesetting of the audio output level only if an acknowledgement is giventhat the setting is to be changed within a given time after therequesting of the acknowledgement.
 12. The method of setting an audiooutput level as recited in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality ofthresholds includes at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit.13. The method of setting an audio output level as recited in claim 1,further comprising: ending the setting of the audio output level afterthe certain period of time expires, if the reply via the operationbutton is received.
 14. The method of setting an audio output level asrecited in claim 2, further comprising: ending the setting of the audiooutput level after the certain period of time expires, if the reply viathe operation button is received.
 15. The device for setting an audiooutput level as recited in claim 4, wherein the setting unit ends thesetting of the audio output level after the certain period of timeexpires, if the reply via the operation button is received.
 16. Thedevice for setting an audio output level as recited in claim 6, whereinthe setting unit ends the setting of the audio output level after thecertain period of time expires, if the reply via the operation button isreceived.